Decomposers and Detritivores in Western North Carolina
Brachoria: Appalachian Mimic Millipede
The Appalachian Mimic Millipede is one of 34 species of Brachoria in the southeastern US Appalachian Mountains. Members of this species are blind and range in color from yellow to red to orange to violet. They are primarily found in deciduous forests beneath the decomposing leaf of the forest floor. The Appalachian Mimic Millipede is the 3rd largest in the US ranging from 4-6 cm in length.
Q: Would you want it as a pet?
A: If they made leashes for them, sure. Geastrum
The Geastrum saccatum is a type of earthstar widely distributed in North America. it is in fact the most widespread of its type used in field guides. Geastrum is a type of mushroom very similar in appearance to that of a flower. Its found spore sits in the center, as its outer layer splits open to create 4-9 pointed arms, therefore giving it its star-like form. This particular species is found growing alone or in groups near tree stumps. While the mushroom itself is a beautiful sight, it is not edible.
Q: Would you plant it in your garden?
A: Maybe if I lived in the mountains.
Crucibulum leave
This mushroom is most famously known as California Fungi and Bird's Nest Fungus for it's resemblance to that of a bird's nest. It has a flaring cup-shaped fruiting body which gets narrower at its base. Its cup contains perdidioles, or eggs, that are connected by a cord to the mushroom. It is found both scattered and clustered on soil and woody debris all over North America, usually in higher elevated regions. Its colors range from a darker brown outside and a more yellow/white color on the inside.
Q: Would you use it as a decorative ornament on your Christmas tree?
A: Possibly as a replica of a bird's nest. I may have to throw it out after it dies.
Chlorociboria aeruginascens
This fungus can be easily spotted for its blue-green cups scattered over types of wood ranging from healthy to rotten. It is more common to see the green stain it lets off than to see the actual fruiting bodies themselves. There are two different types of species: Chlorociboria aeruginosa and Chlorociboria aeruginascens. This fungus is distributed throughout temperate forests of the world and are the only two species found in North America. The discoloration it gives the trees it grows on is caused by the making of the pigment xylindein which can inhibit plant germination. This specific pigment has been tested as an algaecide and studied for it's cancer fighting properties. The stain Chlorociboria aeurginascens produces is prized by woodworkers and was used by Renaissance Italian artists in the 15th century for woodcuts.
Q: Should we use this as a stain for the floors on second Mitchell?
A: It definitely shows Blues spirit.
Philomycus carolinianus
This species of slug is native to deciduous forests of Eastern North America and are normally found under tree bark and even sometimes crawling around on falling logs and tree trunks. they feed on mushrooms and dead wood and are relatively large. Two rows of black spots run down their bodies, with brown spots in between and a tan background. The unusual characteristic about Philomycus carolinianus is that unlike other slugs, they don't show aggression towards each other.
Q: What do you think this "little" guy's mile time is?
A: 5:14 flat.
Q: Seconds? Minutes?
A: Days.
(Previous 5 done by Ashton)
(Next 5 done by JP)
House Centipede
The House Centipede is common throughout all of North America and is commonly found in human homes. In the outdoors, they prefer to live in cool, damp places. It is yellowish-grey and can have up to fifteen legs. They feed on dead and living arthropods which include spiders, bed bugs, termites, and ants.They contain venom in which they can administer through their legs. These creatures are nocturnal hunters.
Click Beetles
Click Beetles are most commonly found throughout North America as well. They feed on decaying vegetation and the roots of plants. Click beetles can be large and colorful but are mostly small and dull. Adult click beetles are nocturnal. They are elaterids and have spines that can be snapped which produces a clicking noise that can pop them into the air. Their clicking is mainly done to avoid predation but is also used when they fall on their backs.
Black Vulture
Black Vultures lives in a warm, temperate environments in southern North America. They can kill wounded or sick animals but usually feed on dead animal carcasses. They are scavengers and generally live in areas populated bu humans and like to feed in garbage dumps. Vultures have a keen sense of smell and have good eyesight.
Earthworm
Earth worms are common just about everywhere in the world there is dirt. Worms eat differently depending on where they live. The worms that live closer to the surface of the ground eat a variety of organic materials, such as dead grass and leaves that have fallen from the tree as well as microscopic organisms that live on the leaves. Worms that live deeper underground have a diet that primarily consists of raw dirt but also the bacteria, fungi and algae that live in the dirt.
Pharaoh Ant
The Pharaoh Ant inhabits virtually every area of the world including Europe, the Americas, Australia and Southeast Asia. They have wide food preferences ranging from syrups to fruits, pies, meats, and dead insects. Pharaoh ants are generally yellow or light brown, and seem almost transparent. Pharaoh worker ants are about 1/16-inch long. They have stingers and poor eyesight.
Cathartes aura (Turkey Vulture) Matthew Gilliland (MCG) The Turkey Vulture is native to the mountains and the piedmont areas all throughout North and South America.The most abundant species in the Americas, the birds have a wingspan of 160-183 cm. They are scavengers and their diet is limited almost exclusively to dead animals carcasses. It is rare for the Turkey Vulture to kill its own prey and for it to feed on plant matter.
Morchella (Morels) MCG
Morcella or morels are edible mushrooms. They have a honeycomb shape. Morels are often called miracles in the Appalachian area because there is a story in which a family survives by eating morels. Morchella are found all over the United States and are associated with trees. Morels feed on the dead tree matter in order to survive.
Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane) MCG
Coprinus comatus is a fungus and a mushroom. It is also known as Shaggy Mane because of its shape and look. The mushrooms are found in grasslands, meadows, and green grassy areas in cities throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Shaggy Mane is edible.
Crayfish MCG
Crayfish, also known as crawdads or crawfish, are freshwater crustaceans that are found all over the world. They are divided into two families split by the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. However, there are over 330 species in North America. They feed on living and dead plant matter. They cannot tolerate polluted water.
Maggot MCG
Maggots are the larva of flies. They are found all over Europe, throughout the United States, and in other places as well. They feed on carrion and garbage alike. Maggots are used for medicinal purposes and for fishing. Maggots are okay in moderation, but as maggots turn into flies and then reproduce the number of maggots become overwhelming
These mushrooms can be found anywhere east of the Rocky Mountains, anywhere to the west is a similar mushroom but of another species. They grow during the late summer and fall months. The scientific name for this mushroom is Omphalotus Illudens. Whenever a tree dies, the dead roots are always left behind underground. These mushrooms grow from these dead roots in clusters, also often found around cities. They are generally bright orange and have a white stems. This mushroom’s claim to fame is its ability to glow in the dark, also the reason for it’s unofficial name. Its gills glow, which are lined on its stem. Photo- http://www.kiroastro.com/images/maine/9879b.jpg
The Chanterelle Fungus highly resembles the Jack-O-Lantern fungus in shape and color; however, the Chanterelle species does not grow in large clustered groups like the Jack-O-Lantern. It grows anywhere east of the Great Plains, and grows hardwood, mostly oaks. They grow specifically during the summer and fall. Photo-http://www.slowmotiondoomsday.com/Images/%20chanterelle11.jpg
The noonday snail is endangered. It was distributed more widely in the Nantahala Gorge (WNC), but the construction of a highway nearby, the clearing of trees, and the drying up of the land put it in endangerment. This species is found mostly in the Southeast North Carolina region. This species is found in wet environments with diverse plant life. These snails also enjoy an environment rich with Calcium for their shells. The diet of the Noonday snail is unknown. Photo- http://static.rockbrookcamp.com/files/2007/01/snail.jpg
Decomposers and Detritivores in Western North Carolina
Brachoria: Appalachian Mimic Millipede
The Appalachian Mimic Millipede is one of 34 species of Brachoria in the southeastern US Appalachian Mountains. Members of this species are blind and range in color from yellow to red to orange to violet. They are primarily found in deciduous forests beneath the decomposing leaf of the forest floor. The Appalachian Mimic Millipede is the 3rd largest in the US ranging from 4-6 cm in length.http://personnel.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/F1BD0DBC-95DA-4DD7-86D3-78ED2ADE422E/0/badbranchmillipede.jpeg
Q: Would you want it as a pet?
A: If they made leashes for them, sure.
Geastrum
The Geastrum saccatum is a type of earthstar widely distributed in North America. it is in fact the most widespread of its type used in field guides. Geastrum is a type of mushroom very similar in appearance to that of a flower. Its found spore sits in the center, as its outer layer splits open to create 4-9 pointed arms, therefore giving it its star-like form. This particular species is found growing alone or in groups near tree stumps. While the mushroom itself is a beautiful sight, it is not edible.
http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/photos/Geastrum_saccatum(tfl-c0229-08).jpg
Q: Would you plant it in your garden?
A: Maybe if I lived in the mountains.
Crucibulum leave
This mushroom is most famously known as California Fungi and Bird's Nest Fungus for it's resemblance to that of a bird's nest. It has a flaring cup-shaped fruiting body which gets narrower at its base. Its cup contains perdidioles, or eggs, that are connected by a cord to the mushroom. It is found both scattered and clustered on soil and woody debris all over North America, usually in higher elevated regions. Its colors range from a darker brown outside and a more yellow/white color on the inside.
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~gbarron/GASTEROS/crucib1.jpg
Q: Would you use it as a decorative ornament on your Christmas tree?
A: Possibly as a replica of a bird's nest. I may have to throw it out after it dies.
Chlorociboria aeruginascens
This fungus can be easily spotted for its blue-green cups scattered over types of wood ranging from healthy to rotten. It is more common to see the green stain it lets off than to see the actual fruiting bodies themselves. There are two different types of species: Chlorociboria aeruginosa and Chlorociboria aeruginascens. This fungus is distributed throughout temperate forests of the world and are the only two species found in North America. The discoloration it gives the trees it grows on is caused by the making of the pigment xylindein which can inhibit plant germination. This specific pigment has been tested as an algaecide and studied for it's cancer fighting properties. The stain Chlorociboria aeurginascens produces is prized by woodworkers and was used by Renaissance Italian artists in the 15th century for woodcuts.
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~gbarron/SAC%20FUNGI/chloro1.jpg
Q: Should we use this as a stain for the floors on second Mitchell?
A: It definitely shows Blues spirit.
Philomycus carolinianus
This species of slug is native to deciduous forests of Eastern North America and are normally found under tree bark and even sometimes crawling around on falling logs and tree trunks. they feed on mushrooms and dead wood and are relatively large. Two rows of black spots run down their bodies, with brown spots in between and a tan background. The unusual characteristic about Philomycus carolinianus is that unlike other slugs, they don't show aggression towards each other.
http://www.jaxshells.org/0671.jpg
Q: What do you think this "little" guy's mile time is?
A: 5:14 flat.
Q: Seconds? Minutes?
A: Days.
(Previous 5 done by Ashton)
(Next 5 done by JP)
House Centipede
The House Centipede is common throughout all of North America and is commonly found in human homes. In the outdoors, they prefer to live in cool, damp places. It is yellowish-grey and can have up to fifteen legs. They feed on dead and living arthropods which include spiders, bed bugs, termites, and ants.They contain venom in which they can administer through their legs. These creatures are nocturnal hunters.
Click BeetlesClick Beetles are most commonly found throughout North America as well. They feed on decaying vegetation and the roots of plants. Click beetles can be large and colorful but are mostly small and dull. Adult click beetles are nocturnal. They are elaterids and have spines that can be snapped which produces a clicking noise that can pop them into the air. Their clicking is mainly done to avoid predation but is also used when they fall on their backs.
Black Vulture
Black Vultures lives in a warm, temperate environments in southern North America. They can kill wounded or sick animals but usually feed on dead animal carcasses. They are scavengers and generally live in areas populated bu humans and like to feed in garbage dumps. Vultures have a keen sense of smell and have good eyesight.
Earthworm
Earth worms are common just about everywhere in the world there is dirt. Worms eat differently depending on where they live. The worms that live closer to the surface of the ground eat a variety of organic materials, such as dead grass and leaves that have fallen from the tree as well as microscopic organisms that live on the leaves. Worms that live deeper underground have a diet that primarily consists of raw dirt but also the bacteria, fungi and algae that live in the dirt.
Pharaoh Ant
The Pharaoh Ant inhabits virtually every area of the world including Europe, the Americas, Australia and Southeast Asia. They have wide food preferences ranging from syrups to fruits, pies, meats, and dead insects. Pharaoh ants are generally yellow or light brown, and seem almost transparent. Pharaoh worker ants are about 1/16-inch long. They have stingers and poor eyesight.
Cathartes aura (Turkey Vulture) Matthew Gilliland (MCG)
The Turkey Vulture is native to the mountains and the piedmont areas all throughout North and South America.The most abundant species in the Americas, the birds have a wingspan of 160-183 cm. They are scavengers and their diet is limited almost exclusively to dead animals carcasses. It is rare for the Turkey Vulture to kill its own prey and for it to feed on plant matter.
Morchella (Morels) MCG
Morcella or morels are edible mushrooms. They have a honeycomb shape. Morels are often called miracles in the Appalachian area because there is a story in which a family survives by eating morels. Morchella are found all over the United States and are associated with trees. Morels feed on the dead tree matter in order to survive.
Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane) MCG
Coprinus comatus is a fungus and a mushroom. It is also known as Shaggy Mane because of its shape and look. The mushrooms are found in grasslands, meadows, and green grassy areas in cities throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Shaggy Mane is edible.
Crayfish MCG
Crayfish, also known as crawdads or crawfish, are freshwater crustaceans that are found all over the world. They are divided into two families split by the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. However, there are over 330 species in North America. They feed on living and dead plant matter. They cannot tolerate polluted water.
Maggot MCG
Maggots are the larva of flies. They are found all over Europe, throughout the United States, and in other places as well. They feed on carrion and garbage alike. Maggots are used for medicinal purposes and for fishing. Maggots are okay in moderation, but as maggots turn into flies and then reproduce the number of maggots become overwhelming
Puffballs Fungi (Lycoperdon Umbrinum)- (JG)
This species of Fungi is found along the eastern seaboard and up to Canada. They appear in the late spring and fall, especially during the rainy season. They are found around trees and at the openings of forests.
Photo- http://www.nps.gov/pore/naturescience/images/pic_puffball_mushroom_285x1.jpg
Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus Illudens)- (JG)
These mushrooms can be found anywhere east of the Rocky Mountains, anywhere to the west is a similar mushroom but of another species. They grow during the late summer and fall months. The scientific name for this mushroom is Omphalotus Illudens. Whenever a tree dies, the dead roots are always left behind underground. These mushrooms grow from these dead roots in clusters, also often found around cities. They are generally bright orange and have a white stems. This mushroom’s claim to fame is its ability to glow in the dark, also the reason for it’s unofficial name. Its gills glow, which are lined on its stem.
Photo- http://www.kiroastro.com/images/maine/9879b.jpg
Chanterelle Fungi (Cantharellus Cibarius)- (JG)
The Chanterelle Fungus highly resembles the Jack-O-Lantern fungus in shape and color; however, the Chanterelle species does not grow in large clustered groups like the Jack-O-Lantern. It grows anywhere east of the Great Plains, and grows hardwood, mostly oaks. They grow specifically during the summer and fall.
Photo-http://www.slowmotiondoomsday.com/Images/%20chanterelle11.jpg
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)- (JG)
The Bass species lives along the eastern seaboard and out west to Michigan. Bass live in waters that are generally 20 feet deep. They scavenge the bottom of lakes for insects, small fish, and crayfish.
Photo- http://www.watergremlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/large-mouth-bass.jpg
Noonday Snail (Patera clarki Nantahala)- (JG)
The noonday snail is endangered. It was distributed more widely in the Nantahala Gorge (WNC), but the construction of a highway nearby, the clearing of trees, and the drying up of the land put it in endangerment. This species is found mostly in the Southeast North Carolina region. This species is found in wet environments with diverse plant life. These snails also enjoy an environment rich with Calcium for their shells. The diet of the Noonday snail is unknown.
Photo- http://static.rockbrookcamp.com/files/2007/01/snail.jpg